UConn coach Dan Hurley says he’d love to see the Huskies take the South Lawn after UFC Freedom 250, and he even throws out a dream matchup with Duke.
Dan Hurley left UFC Freedom 250 sounding like a man halfway through planning his next big night—just not in the octagon.
Speaking with TMZ DC, Hurley said he’d love to have his UConn Huskies play at the White House on the South Lawn after the recent UFC event. He attended the elaborate MMA show on Sunday, and he’s also gone to other UFC fights in the past, so the idea didn’t feel random.
When Charlie Cotton pitched the concept of getting college basketball at 1600 Penn, Hurley’s reaction was immediate. “That would be good, man,” he said. He didn’t just stop at the idea of UConn at the White House—he pointed to the matchup he’d most want. “I think UConn should definitely be in it. Maybe UConn [vs.] Duke!!”.
The notion of a UConn game at the nation’s most famous address would’ve sounded far-fetched a year ago. But Hurley is framing it in the wake of a successful UFC night built around the country’s anniversary in 2026—while looking ahead to what might be possible when the U.S. marks 251 years next year.
If Hurley gets his wish, the Huskies would be tipping off against the Blue Devils.
And in typical fashion, he also got pulled into a pair of NBA questions—whether the New York Knicks won the NBA Finals or if the San Antonio Spurs “blew it.” Hurley’s response is part of the same playful push for bigger moments, bigger stages, and bigger matchups.
Dan Hurley UConn Huskies Duke Blue Devils White House South Lawn UFC Freedom 250 college basketball NBA Finals New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs